DOMAINE ALBERT BICHOT, France

Bernard's son Hippolyte bought the first of the families vines in Volnay and his son Albert gave the family business momentum in the late 19th century, settling in the heart of Beaune where they still nourish their dream. Having gone off to find adventure in the world, travelling extensively from the Arctic to the Antaractic, Albéric Bichot returned to Beaune and took the business over in 1996. Though he fully respects family traditions, he is completely focused on the future. He compares himself to the "conductor of an orchestra, proud to bring people and their talents together over a common project". He tackles the many challenges with energy, converting to organic viticulture in the Côte-d'Or vineyards, adapting to to new markets as they emerge and, increasing the prestige and exposure of Burgundy wines and much more. He remains convinced that the quality of the grapes decides the quality of the wine and is focused on developing work first undertaken in the 1980s by securing supplies, and expanding vinification capacity and the ageing cellars.

Viticulture

The company's vineyards now total 6 estates that cover Burgundy from north to south, and they work tirelessly to protect the terroir for the future generations and with respect for nature. Practicing sustainable viticulture paying close attention to the delicate balances found in nature. Ploughed and fertilised with organic matter, they encourage manual labour that boosts the plants natural defences.

Winemaking

Intervening as little as possible during the vinification process whilst keeping the legacy that has been passed on to them, their wish is that the wines demonstrate the terroir and the characteristics of the village they hail from as well as offering an expressive wine that bring a great deal of pleasure and emotion. All of their estates are located in each of Burgundy's major viticultural regions, each one has a winery and cellar where a dedicated team vinifies and ages these precious wines. The winery in the centre of Beaune, however, is devoted to regional appellations. It was rebuilt in 2008 and uses the same working methods that function so well at all of the other estates. They pay the same care with the grapes grown on their own plots as with those purchased from selected partner growers.